Dissatisfaction with democracy has been steadily increasing in high-income countries over the past few years. This has been revealed in a survey by Pew Research Center. According to the survey, the citizens of these countries are fast becoming disillusioned with the functioning of their democracy. Apart from the Corona period after 2017, the level of satisfaction with democracy in these countries has been steadily declining.
Satisfaction with democracy averaged 49% in 2021 among the 12 economically rich countries, but this figure has dropped to 36% in 2024. This decline was seen in 9 out of 12 countries, with 6 countries seeing satisfaction levels drop by 10 percent or more.
Dissatisfaction with democracy in the world is highest in Britain. 60% of Britons were satisfied with democracy in 2021, down from 21% to 39% now. Only 36% of South Koreans are happy with democracy then, up from 53% in 2021. America and Japan have the least confidence in democracy. However, only 31% have expressed satisfaction in both the countries. Satisfaction has dropped by 10% in the US and 7% in Japan in three years.
77% expressed satisfaction with democracy in middle-income country India
Among middle-income countries, Singaporeans are the most satisfied (80%). Then there is India. 77% people in the country have faith in democracy. 64% of people in Thailand are satisfied with democracy. This figure is 60% in Australia and 57% in Palestine. Voter participation in the country is 67%. Despite the economic disparity, one of the major reasons for the confidence in democracy in the country is the welfare scheme run by the government.